Nicole Bettencourt, COL ’27, Aptos, CA
This summer, I had the privilege of completing an internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where I worked with Dr. Singh on celiac disease research. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my undergraduate career, and it would not have been possible without the $2,300 in funding I received from Career Services. This support covered my housing, groceries, and professional clothing, allowing me to devote my full energy to the internship and to the patients and families whose lives are touched by the research being done at CHOP.
Celiac disease is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet there are still many unanswered questions about its diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes. Under Dr. Singh’s guidance, I contributed to projects that sought to better understand these challenges and to help advance knowledge in ways that could improve patient care. Being part of this work was both humbling and inspiring. I was able to see how research directly connects to the lives of patients, and I came away with a stronger sense of purpose in my own journey toward a career in medicine.
I cannot emphasize enough how valuable this experience was for my growth. Not only did I gain exposure to the process of clinical research, but I also developed skills in data analysis, communication, and critical thinking. Perhaps most importantly, I learned how collaboration between physicians, researchers, and patients drives progress in healthcare. I know these lessons will stay with me as I continue my studies and eventually pursue medical school.
The support I received from Career Services donors made this possible in a very real way. Philadelphia is an expensive city, and without this funding, I would have had to take on extra work outside of my internship just to make ends meet. Instead, I was able to give my undivided attention to the projects in Dr. Singh’s lab and fully immerse myself in the professional environment at CHOP. This kind of focused experience is invaluable for students preparing for medical careers, and I feel incredibly fortunate that donors chose to invest in me.
Looking back, I see this summer as a pivotal moment. It confirmed for me that I want to become a doctor, and it gave me the confidence to pursue that path with even greater determination. I am deeply grateful for the chance to learn from Dr. Singh, to contribute to celiac disease research, and to see firsthand the impact that dedicated clinicians and researchers can have on patients’ lives.
To the donors who made this possible: thank you. Your generosity did more than provide financial support, it gave me the freedom to grow, to learn, and to take an important step toward my future in medicine. I am profoundly appreciative, and I will carry this experience with me as both a student and a future physician.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2025 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
